Richard “Dick” Lees, 91

Richard “Dick” Lees, age 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. Richard was born September 14, 1933, in Austin, Minnesota. He was a graduate of Austin High School’s class of 1951. During high school, Dick participated in baseball, basketball, and was a member of the two-time state championship football team. He was also selected for the National High School All American Football Team. Football also earned him a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota. After a year at the University of Minnesota, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served during the Korean War. Following his service, he returned to Mankato State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While attending Mankato State, he met the love of his life, Marianne Swanson, and the couple was married on September 14, 1957. He continued his education at Carlton College and earned a master’s degree in science from Michigan State.

Dick returned to his hometown upon graduation from college where he began his middle school teaching career at Ellis Middle School in 1961. He taught science courses at Ellis Middle School for the next 30 years until transferring to Austin High School where he taught science from 1991 until his retirement from Austin Public Schools in 1993. In addition to his time in the classroom, Dick taught many summer enrichment classes as well as served as coordinator of several local science fairs. During his teaching career, he also coached varsity football, basketball, and boys and girls golf.

Following his retirement from Austin Public Schools, he went on to teach courses at Austin Community College from 1993-1997, followed by 16 years as a Mower County Probation Officer.

In addition to working as a teacher and coach, Dick also served on the Austin School Board from 1994 through 2020 and is a member of the Austin High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dick was a member of the Austin School Board when $1.1 million science lab renovation and expansion at Ellis Middle School was approved in 2008. The naming of the science lab honors Richard Lees for his many years of service and dedication to the students of Austin Public Schools. The Richard Lees Lab was dedicated in his honor on August 9, 2021.

Dick was an amazing father to his three daughters and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the rock of his family, known for his quick wit and easygoing nature. Golf, college sports, and reading were his passions, but his greatest joy came from connecting with others and learning about their lives. His smile could light up a room, and his calming presence put everyone at ease.

Dick is survived by his three daughters, Pam (Ken Edstrom) Koser of Austin, MN, Patty (Doug) Kraushaar of Prior Lake, MN, and Jenny (Rodney) Chaffee of Blaine, MN; six grandchildren, Amy (Scott) Barvir of Northfield, MN, Britney (Austin) Haugh of Prior Lake, MN, Jon (Mikayla) Koser of La Crosse, WI, David (Savanna) Koser of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Wyatte Chaffee of Clovis, NM, and Allison Chaffee of Mankato, MN, five great-grandchildren, Kinsley Haugh (his birthday buddy), Wesley and Olive Barvir, and Arthur and Hugo Koser; brothers, Curt and Douglas (Diane) Lees; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne; and parents, Percy and Violet Lees.

The memorial service for Dick will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. Following the service, a meal will be served in the church hall. Memorials are welcome to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.